WILMINGTON- A recent development review board decision will alter plans for the renovation of 20 West Main Street, the future home of a new eatery called Village Roost. Applicant Isabelle Alvarado sought approval for a new entrance design on the west side of the building, as well as construction of a boardwalk on the property’s driveway, to mirror that of neighboring Pickwell’s Barn.

In its decision, the DRB referenced an article in the town’s zoning bylaw, which states that provisions shall be made for maximum traffic and parking safety, as well as snow removal, and the maintenance of parking areas. While the proposed boardwalk would be 5 feet 8 inches wide, and would not extend into the driveway, the town is opposed to its construction due to concerns about snow removal, which the town is responsible for.

In a letter to the DRB, town manager Scott Murphy said that the proposed boardwalk would provide an obstacle to the town’s efforts to remove snow efficiently, as the end of the driveway is already narrow.

The decision will not slow down renovation plans, however, and Alvarado has already met with zoning administrator Craig Ohlson to create a plan that works for all parties. “We’re working with the zoning administrator, and we’ve had a couple of meetings to rework and resubmit the plans,” said Alvarado. “We’re looking at (building the boardwalk to) where the sidewalk begins on Main Street, and have it hug the side of the building to the side entrance without touching the driveway.

“We’re not too concerned about it this year. If we have to leave it the way it is until next spring, we’re fine with that also.”

The west end entrance may prove trickier for Alvarado, whose daughter Brittany Alvarado, along with her fiancée Sam Jones, will be running the Village Roost. The proposed entrance consisted of an open timber frame design and roof pitch, with stairs on either side. According to the DRB, the design does not conform to the historic review district. The town’s zoning bylaw states that new construction or renovations should be of similar historic architectural style to that found within the subject building.

“That style (open timber frame) is not found to be of character in the existing structure,” states the DRB decision. “The board would like to encourage a style more in keeping with existing architectural details in (the) subject building. The revised plan shall consider pedestrian traffic to the parking lot so that people will not have to navigate new stairs.”

Alvarado said that the proposed plan was designed to give a rustic look, but new plans would focus on a 19th century Greek Revival design. Alvarado could not provide an official opening day for the Village Roost, but said the goal was to “capture the foliage crowd.”

“We’re working as diligently as possible on this, and it’s something we want to do right the first time. It’s not our intention to open too early.”